The Alternative Careers in Teaching program (act!), which has been producing uniquely qualified math and science teachers throughout Wisconsin since 2006, is changing.

The act! program is an individually tailored, alternative pathway to initial Wisconsin licensure as a secondary (grades 6-12) mathematics or science teacher, originally only offered to those with a bachelor’s degree in a science, technology, engineering or mathematics (STEM) field and five or more years of work experience.

After several inquiries from students with the appropriate academic degrees and qualifications, the alternative pathway has been extended to admit individuals right out of their undergraduate program, as well as those with less than five years of work experience.

“Many of these candidates gained valuable experience in research laboratories as undergraduate students but have not been able to find full time employment as practicing mathematicians or scientists for 5 years,” said Michael Beeth, act! director. “The act! program will foster students’ deep knowledge of and experiences with doing math and science that make them uniquely qualified to teach in Wisconsin.”

“The fact that the act! program is available to our STEM majors is a huge step forward in education,” said John Koker, dean of the College of Letter and Sciences at UW Oshkosh. “In my experience, I have encountered a number of STEM majors who come late to the realization that they are drawn to teaching their disciplines.”

Those whose career path is leading toward teaching as a profession can contact Beeth at UW Oshkosh (beeth@uwowh.edu or (920) 424-3326).

The act! program is a cooperative program between the University of Wisconsin Colleges and UW Oshkosh.  The program is structured to meet the needs of the adult learner.